Xcel Energy utility rates could drop in 4th quarter

Cost adjustments for electricity, natural gas requires PUC approval

Xcel Energy customers could see a drop in electricity and natural gas rates beginning next month.

On Monday Excel Energy in Colorado filed to change Colorado electricity and natural gas prices for the fourth quarter of 2012, according to an Xcel Energy news release.

If the Colorado Public Utilities Commission approves the Quarterly Gas Adjustment, customers can expect to see a nine percent drop on their natural gas bills — based on the same use — when compared to the fourth quarter of 2011.

On average residential customers are estimated to save $6.15 in the fourth quarter over last year.

Small business customers can expect an average decrease of $23.16.

Though the Electric Commodity Adjustment is expected to increase slightly in the fourth quarter, residential and small business electric bills also are expected to decrease.

Xcel estimates a net average decrease of 4.52 percent, or $3.21, for residential electric customers and a net drop of 19.6 percent, or $26.79, for small business customers during the upcoming quarter.

As with the natural gas price estimates, the electricity savings estimates also are based on the same monthly use in 2011.

Electricity bills also are expected to be lower now that the unseasonably hot summer is drawing to a close, the release states.

With minor exceptions, costs associated with increases or decreases through the ECA and GCA are passed along to customers on a dollar per dollar basis, the release states.

If approved by the PUC, new rates would go into effect Oct. 1.

For more information or to explore additional ways to conserve energy, visit www.xcelenergy.com/energysavings.